Occupancy

Ages of children

Airport

Location

8/10

Just a five-minute walk from the Tjornin lake and 10 from Hallgrimskirkja. The hotel is superbly located for Reykjavik’s multifarious thrills, whether shopping in the surrounding boutiques or soaking up the array of museums and sights that are within easy walking distance.

Style & character

9/10

The hotel’s striking five-floor historic shell was built in 1917 and housed the city’s main pharmacy (Reykjavíkurapotek) from 1930 to 1999. Designed by former state architect Guðjón Samúelsson — who also designed the even more impressive National Theater building and Hallgrímskirkja church — the refurbished interior features original (and protected) Art Nouveau characteristics (curved walls, marble stairs) matched to an elegantly modern designer aesthetic.

Service & facilities

7/10

As well as a connected (but independently-run) restaurant and bar, the hotel offers a small business centre, and a 24-hour reception that’s manned by young, friendly, multilingual staff eager to help with local tips and booking tours.

Bar

Laundry

Parking

Restaurant

Room service

Wi-Fi

Rooms

8/10

Decorated in soothing, neutral tones, the Apotek’s rooms are dotted with modern but comfortable furnishings and enjoy contemporary touches like veneered parquet flooring, historical photos of the building, and chic white bathrooms with rain showers.

You’ll get a television, minibar and in-room telephone whichever room you book, but the deluxe rooms and suites have the best views; over pretty Austurvöllur square or Austurstræti street. If you’re looking for extra space and style, the three-floor Tower Suite won’t disappoint.

Food & drink

8/10

The hotel breakfast, a fairly refined variety of hot and cold dishes, is served in the Apotek restaurant on the ground floor. Designed by prolific local design duo Leifur Welding and Brynhildur Guðlaugsdóttir, the restaurant’s smart-casual interior features welcome touches such as restored wooden wall panels and original marble décor.

The kitchen serves Icelandic and European dishes that are often cooked on an Argentinean grill and made specifically for sharing — pastry chef Axel Thorsteinsson’s desserts and sweets are worth saving some space for (and can be bought separately). A swanky bar churns out cocktails with pharmacy-themed names, in reference to its history. Room service (including breakfast in bed) is also available.